The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men

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Admiral Breckinridge was neither sympathetic nor cooperative. Beyond that, the perceptive outsider, say a Henson or a Gillmor, would probably have concluded that Run-Run deserved more credit than he received for subsequent developments. Certainly he had been busy.

During the immediate crisis caused by the beating, he had stood watch with Susan for many hours. But he knew and loved them very much, and was also wise enough to leave them alone after it became clear that Cat would not fly any more. He waited for them to call for drinks or dinner. He shared their relief once the basic decision had been made, and correctly gave Susan credit for the toughness. It would have been out of character for him to consider resigning as a kind of secondary boycott. His experiences of the last ninety days had opened him to other possibilities, but he did not consider them as serious alternatives. He had wanted the Navy so long that he could not then consider another kind of life.

He did accept the growing evidence that others were fed up with it. And he was, in his concern with the Navy, deeply disturbed by the change in the feel of the base. Thus his behavior became rather contradictory. He spent hours talking with ratings and other junior officers; drinking more than usual and staying up far past his usual bedtime. But he also sought out Mr. Hank, The Reverend, Marsh and Wendell Rogers. Even Chief Johns. Then he went to David Cohen.

Had they known of his activities, Admiral Breckinridge and Up-Tight Timothy might have called him in for a chat about the best interests of the United States Navy. As they defined them. Though he would never have thought to put it in such terms, Run-Run did begin to perceive that he faced a dilemma. One night, exhausted, he dreamed about the easy days of being a mid-fielder.

In the shower the next morning he let the cold water run longer than usual.

To hell with it: Mr. Hank's got a right to a choice. If I was in his place....

Both Mr. Hank and Chief Johns chose not to sign-over. That triggered similar action among a significant number of the middle ratings.

Thus Breckinridge was furious when he received the resignations from Mitch and Cat. He saw Mitch first and received him standing.

"How did you find out, Commander?"

Mitch was relaxed, eager to enjoy it.

"Well, Admiral, they gave us a pretty good course in politics at the Navy's School for Wayward Boys, and we all have friends in Washington."

Breckinridge had no effective weapon against what he considered the ultimate insolence.

"Your resignation is accepted. You have forty-five days of paid leave with full allowances."

"Thank you, Sir."

The Admiral had planned to commiserate a bit with Lieutenant Wye, but he forgot about that very quickly.

"I think I understand your disappointment, Lieutenant Wye, but your service contract has months to run."

"Yes, Sir; but I thought the circumstances...."

Breckinridge was now indulging himself.

"The Navy needs all such exceptional young officers as yourself. We can benefit from your experience and new ideas. I have received orders cut for you to join the amphibious corps at the bomb test sites. Perhaps the duty will lead you to change your earlier ideas, Lieutenant."

Cat said, "Sir," but did not salute.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

1. Maggie and Mr. Hank
2. The Reverend
3. Squalls Along the Flight Line
4. Flying Home to Church
5. A Visit with The Judge
6. Communion
7. Afterthoughts
8. Monday Morning With The Admiral
9. Into the Dining Room
10. On Toward Walking the Streets
11. Glimpses of An Election
12. The Dream and The Reality of Violence
13. The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
14. Down That Lonesome Road

• Cast of Characters
• Credits and Acknowledgements